Analysis of Gender Differences on the Tendency to Entrepreneurship of Agricultural Students (Case Study: University of Mohaghegh Ardabili)

A common definition of the gender position in society and the underlying mental patterns on it affects the incidence of different behaviors based on gender. Therefore, the present study seeks to determine which gender differences affect the incidence and tendency of entrepreneurship. The population of the study consisted of agricultural undergraduate students at University of Mohaghegh Ardabili (N =740). The study was of applied type and research method was survey. The sample size was determined on the basis of Cochran formula in 275 students (127 male and 148 female students) and the sampling was done using of proportional stratified random sampling. The findings showed that the male students tended to be more entrepreneurial than female students. Male students also had higher levels of risk aversion and higher self-esteem than female students; but female students were more motivated than men. Also, the most important variables predicting and differentiating the tendency of entrepreneurship on the basis of gender are related to the general expectations and general impression of the society towards gender, the tendency to entrepreneurship, and the perception of mental and psychological abilities to engage in entrepreneurial activities.